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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the decider of this season also.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

Currently, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.

Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press